My complicated affair with cardigans.

Until this summer I did not own a single cardigan. Somehow they always felt wrong for me.
Since then I have discovered cascading cardigans and how to make it work with my style. This is good but I felt I need to expand my relationship with the cardigans. i definitely want to get a BF cardigan as I have a very good idea how to use it with my wardrobe (still on the lookout for long enough). However I am completely stumped with other cardigan styles.
I was shopping Gap sale last week and saw this merino wool cardigan on sale. The do not specify the length so I decided to order and see for myself. They came today and I suspect they go back: I feel completely frumpy! I tried both of them with a charcoal sheath dress belted and unbelted and did not feel inspired at all!
#1-4 - dark olive in Medium
#5-8 - camel in Large
So tell me - do they work at all? Any styling can save them? Is it just the awkward length or maybe cardigans are not my thing really?
Please help!

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15 years ago

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Don't give up on cardis! I too have fallen in love (again) w/ cardigans this season. But these, although they fit, they are just sort of blah. The best look is #4, though. I would say if you can find a longer cardi (with a v-neck?), w/ a slightly fitted shape, that would look good.

crazyone

Sveta: I don't wear cardigans of this length (on my body). I either wear more cropped cardigans (hit at the hip), or now boyfriend cardigans. I think it's the length here that's awkward.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I vote a longer V-neck BF cardigan, Sveta.

kellygirl

Sveta, did you try the Halogen BF V-neck? I have the petite version and I love it. I tried the regular size and it went down to my knees.

Sveta

CocoLion, blah is exactly how I feel!
C1, you may be right about the length.
Angie, I have 2 BF cardigans from Tall Girl in the mail so hopefully at least one of them works. So you think I should give up on any shorter ones?
Kelly, I wish we have a Nordstrom in Canada... It is too expensive to order it online if I am not sure about the fit

Dana

I agree with CocoLion and wouldn't necessarily give up on cardigans. You seem far too stylish for these Gap ones. Go with your gut and continue experimenting with BF and cascading cardigans. If you want to try shorter styles, it appears something shorter, perhaps more fitted, and edgier might suit you better.

Oh Sveta, that is too bad. I noticed they were already marked down on the website.

I know, Kelly. I cringe every time I look there...

Aida

The length doesn't bother me as much as the boxiness coupled with the neckline. A V-neck would be so much more flattering for you. This is a slightly awkward length for dresses though, if you want to keep trying this length try a few stylings with pants.

Louise

I think it's the length that is the problem. How about a super cropped one over dresses? Or a longer BF one ? x

Jonesy

It's the fit of these, Sveta, not you! They are a boxy cut, with no curve at the waist, coupled with a crewneck, AND a tight band at the bottom. They include everything in a cardigan that is unflattering and not good, IMHO :), especially if you have a slim waist and curvier hips. Generally, I look for cardigans that are V-neck, curve in at the waist, are a slim cut, and have a band at the bottom that isn't tighter than the body of the sweater (or better yet, one with no band). I sometimes violate this with cardigans that are meant to be oversized and snuggly, but not for slim-fit, dressier ones, if that makes sense.

MNsara

Yup, its them, not you! They are bleh! the length, width, neckline are not right for you (and probably not flattering on most people).. They have a utilitarian style.

Didn't you get one of these earlier?:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ha.....ltback=730

If not, I highly recommend them - nice drape, they have the v-neck Angie suggested, etc.

I like the elongation they give to a look (as long as they aren't too oversized).

thehomestylist

Active Member

Of the photos here, I like how #4 and #5 are styled. They looked the most polished this way but I also agree to try v-neck.

Bookarella

I agree with the others about the need for a different kind of cardi for the sheath. However, I must say that color-wise I love the camel and charcoal pairing!

Lisa

Great advice here already, nothing new from me except I think a v-neck and no band at the bottom (or at least not a band that makes the cardigan tight at the bottom) is the way to go for these. Or drastically short. The classic fit and length, such as these from Gap, don't fit with your current style.

Anonymous

Another vote for trying cardigans with a V neck. I've given up on the round neck type unless more fitted and buttoned up 50's style.

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